Thomas “Irish” Barry

Thomas “Irish” Barry

Cedar Rapids

Thomas Charles Barry left this life on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

The world became a little brighter and a lot more fun when Tom was born on April 25, 1947, in Notre Dame Country, also known as South Bend, IN to John and Betty Lou (Grimes) Barry as the 2nd of ten children. He never stood a chance to not have the motto “Play Like a Champion Today” embedded into his very being and family was always a priority.

After graduating from Regis High School in Cedar Rapids and attending college in Wisconsin he served our country by enlisting in the United States Air Force (stationed at RAF Alconbury, England) and continued his passion for aircraft long after. Upon returning home, Tom worked for CRST in Detroit, Denver, Kansas City and Cedar Rapids for many years and was ultimately promoted to Vice President of Logistics. During that time he met the love of his life Gail at a work Christmas party during a blind date on December 7th and got engaged 21 days later and married in June, Tom was always “all in” in everything he did and because of that they had 50 wonderful years together, though not nearly enough. During those years, they had a daughter and even though Tom wasn’t sure how to raise her after growing up with mostly all boys, he made sure that Molly was loved and had opportunities to experience all that life had to offer. Tom made the brave and bold decision to partner on a new company, Cedar Valley Logistics on his 50th birthday from where he later retired. Tom loved to find joy and laughter in everything he could. He was known to find any reason to celebrate in this life and found joy being around those that he loved. Tom had a magic about him that showed in the personal relationships that he created with everyone that knew him. Tom had the ability to make everyone feel welcomed, valued and special. He loved to cheer on the Fighting Irish in Football, along with the Green Bay Packers, he took great joy in traveling, being near any body of water whether it be an ocean, lake or even his own pool that he took great pride in every summer on Brookland Drive the fun was always guaranteed. Tom had an energy and passion for finding the fun and creating memories especially in traveling with his wife, quoting silly movies and laughing with his daughter, entertaining and playing with his grandchildren, joking and reminiscing with his brothers and sister along with creating core memories with his many, many nieces and nephews.

Tom was truly loved by all who knew him and this world is such a better place because Tom Barry was here.

Tom is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gail (Wiley); daughter, Molly Schwarzhoff (Kevin): grandchildren, Jason, Ellie, Katie and the light of Tom’s later years: Jackson “Ratzy Ratzenbaum/Sonny” Charles Schwarzhoff, six brothers Mike (Cathy), Tim (Sue), Brian (Deb), Chauncey (Debra), Scott (Brenda), Joe (Elaine) Barry along with his sister, Maureen “Mo” (Doug) Brown and many, many nieces and nephews.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents John and Betty Lou Barry, brothers Chris and John Barry, brother in law Doug Brown and sister in laws Diane Hike and Maureen and Cathy Barry.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Cedar Memorial State Room in Cedar Rapids. Visitation Friday, January 3, 2025, from 9:00 am until 10:00 am with the Funeral Mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Interment at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be given directed to Tunnels to Tower or Noelridge Green House.

Online condolences are welcome at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.